Mikel Merino admits he must “take advantage” of the opportunity he has been presented with following Jonjo Shelvey’s knee injury.

The 21-year-old Spaniard made only his start Premier League start of 2018 during the 2-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday after Shelvey - who had established himself in midfield alongside Mo Diame in recent weeks - was ruled out.

And, with Shelvey likely to be absent for Saturday’s match against relegation rivals Southampton at St James’ Park, Merino is set to continue in midfield - particularly given Rafa Benitez’s promise to “attack” the Saints.

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Merino started the season in fantastic form, impressing during an initial loan spell before Newcastle triggered a clause in his contract to make the move from Borussia Dortmund permanent, but the Spain Under-21 international has struggled for form since suffering from a lower-back injury in October.

His performance at Anfield was criticised by some supporters but, though the midfielder admits he has suffered from a string of injury niggles, he insists he is regaining his fitness and is determined to grasp this chance.

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“I felt tired out there [at Anfield]. When you are not playing regularly that is normal because minutes on the pitch give you energy,” Merino responded when asked about his fitness levels given that he may start next weekend’s crucial clash with Southampton given Shelvey’s knee injury.

“I feel good - but, of course, it is not easy when you are defending all the game but I worked hard and tried to do what the coach wanted.